Monthly Archives: October 2017

Developing your research skills? See our Webinar Programme for Autumn

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This Autumn the LDC Development team are offering webinars on a range of different topics, particularly aimed at those new to research, but open to all postgraduate researchers.  In these sessions, we guidance, advice and suggestions  to help you improve your practice in these research skills.

These online  sessions all include a chat area for participants to introduce themselves, ask questions or raise concerns, but also  to share their own practice and so learn from each other!

All session should be recorded and we provide additional resources to supplement  the sessions that you can access after the event.

The events listed below are  open for booking. (Most events will be repeated in Spring 2018.)

30-Oct
12:30 – 13:30		 Webinar: Time – management for PhD researchers
– Offering a variety of approaches to help you manage your research time more effectively
06-Nov
12:30 – 13:30		 Webinar: Creating your own plan of professional development
– To help you create a plan to meet your own long term goals as a researcher or for your longer term career
13-Nov
12:30 – 13:30		 Webinar: Surviving the PhD
– Advice and suggestions to help you solve many problems commonly faced by new PhD researchers
20-Nov
12:30 – 13:30		 Webinar: Research Writing – Maintaining motivation for your writing
– Guidance to help you develop your writing practice from creating notes to gaining good feedback.
27-Nov
12:30 – 13:30		 Webinar: Research Writing: communicating your research effectively
– Advice to communicate effectively in your writing and to start writing for publication.
04-Dec
12:30 – 13:30		 Webinar: Enhancing your Research Presentations 1, defining your message
– Advice to plan and prepare a compelling presentation
11-Dec
12:30 – 13:30		 Webinar: Enhancing your Research Presentations 2, delivery
– Advice to best manage and deliver  your presentations.

In addition:

8 Nov, 29 Nov
12:30 – 13:30		 Webinar: Effectively using the PGR Toolbox
– for those who want additional support to use this tool.

All those registered will receive an email confirmation and should check that Eventbrite is using their University email.  The web link to access these events is normally sent about half an hour before the event begins and is sent to this same email address.

Careers webinars

The above series is supplemented by two webinars delivered by an external careers consultant:

02-Nov
13:30 – 14:30		 Webinar: Networking Skills
– Identify ways to develop your networking ability and expand your support community.
07-Dec
13:30 – 14:30		 Webinar: Using LinkedIn to manage your career
-Explore how LinkedIn can be used to enhance your career and why you need to be on there!

See the timetable on our website for information on further workshops offered by the LDC Development team.

Are you prepared for your future career?

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The LDC Development team offer various workshops, webinars and other resources to help your career preparation and which you can access at any stage of your PhD.

Workshops and webinars

We still have some places on the following workshops coming up this Autumn:

26 Oct 09:15 – 12:30 Developing Networking Skills
31 Oct 09:15 – 12:30 Career Management
02 Nov 09:15 – 12:30 Developing your Interview Skills
23 Nov 09:15 – 12:30 Making an Impact in Work
07 Dec 09:15 – 12:30 Making Academic Applications

And the two webinars:

02 Nov 13:30 – 14:30 Webinar: Networking Skills
07 Dec 13:30 – 14:30 Webinar: Using LinkedIn to manage your career

Online Resources

Our online resources will help you create your own career plan, to help you select the events that might your career preparation and find out  further information that will help you make informed choices.

Career Management Skills Resources

The ‘What Next’ video may also help you select your future career: The ‘What Next?’ Video

Careers and Employability service

Finally, don’t forget that the Careers and Employability service offer a wide range of events, particularly with local employers, which will be of particular interest to those seeking a career outside of academic life.

See further information in the CareerHub (requires registration and login)

Developing your Academic Writing

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Autumn is here and nights are drawing in. With wind and rain outside, this is a perfect time to get on with writing. Whether you are working on thesis chapters, annual reports, manuscripts for publication or any other academic writing, we have support available for you. Just follow the links below to book your place.

Overcoming Writer’s Block – 18 October
All writers have times when they get stuck, when the words don’t seem to flow and you feel frustrated. New on our programme this year, is a workshop to help you overcome this Writer’s Block. The workshop is led by Dr. Alan Greaves who has extensive experience both as a psychotherapist and an academic writer. The workshop offers solution based ideas and discussion in an informal and confidential setting, giving you the tools to overcome blocks and make progress on your writing.

Overcoming Writer’s Block with Dr. Alan Greaves – 18 October

Academic Writing Group – starting 16 October
Often we know we should be writing, but there just never seems to be a good time to do so. Too many other distractions get in the way. The Academic Writing Group sessions are designed to give you the time and space to further develop your writing practice in a supportive setting. Here a group of academic writers, from novice to expert, come together to share ideas and to write, providing peer support for each other. By being part of a community of academic writers, you can build your confidence as a writer. The group meetings are held twice per month, starting on 16th October.

First meeting – 16 October

BiteSize Thesis
If your PhD thesis is at the forefront of your mind, why not check out our BiteSize thesis writing sessions. Hosted by Dr. Eli Saetnan, this series of brief workshops will guide you through specific aspects of thesis writing including thesis structure, editing for clarity, making the most of your reading, and being a productive thesis writer. Workshops include brief presentations by Eli along with opportunities for you to practice some of the aspects discussed.

Thesis format and structure – 17 October
Edit for clarity – 19 October
Read, write, repeat – 24 October
Overcoming writer’s block – 26 October

Webinars
Sometimes all you need is some advice and guidance to get started and a chance to discuss options with fellow PGRs. In that case, check out our upcoming webinars where Dr. Shirley Cooper discusses developing your writing practice from initial notes to final editing and advice on writing for publication. The webinars combine a brief presentation by Shirley with a chance to ask questions and discuss options with fellow participants.

Maintaining motivation for your writing – 20 November
Communicating your research effectively – 27 November

Thesis Writing for International Students
These sessions are hosted by the English Language Centre and include analysis of text as well as exercises designed to develop your vocabulary and grammatical accuracy. For more information on these sessions, get in touch with the English Language Centre.